Computed Axial Tomographic Features of Craniofacial Fibrous Dysplasia in a Child: A Case Report

Background: Craniofacial fibrous dysplasia is a benign fibro-osseous disorder characterized by the replacement of normal bone with abnormal fibrous and osseous tissue. In children, involvement of the craniofacial skeleton may produce progressive facial deformity and functional impairment. Computed tomography (CT) enables assessment of the extent and anatomical consequences of the disease. Objective: To describe the clinical presentation and CT findings of craniofacial fibrous dysplasia in a five-year-old boy. Case Presentation: A five-year-old boy was referred from the paediatric outpatient department of a tertiary hospital for craniofacial CT examination following progressive facial prominence, excessive tearing, persistent nasal discharge and difficulty breathing through the nose. The symptoms had developed over approximately six months. CT demonstrated diffuse thickening and increased density of the cranial and facial bones, producing craniofacial disproportion. The imaging appearance was predominantly sclerotic, with areas of ground-glass attenuation. Marked narrowing of the nasal and nasolacrimal passages was observed. The left-sided paranasal sinuses were not demonstrated, while the right maxillary and sphenoid sinuses were hypoplastic, with mucoperiosteal thickening. The mastoid air cells were not visualized. The demonstrated brain parenchyma appeared normal. The child attended subsequent neurosurgical consultations but had not undergone surgery because of financial constraints. Conclusion: CT provided detailed anatomical information regarding craniofacial involvement and associated narrowing of adjacent passages. These findings may support clinical assessment and subsequent management planning.